With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
If you have an advent wreath, light three candles for hope, peace, and joy, and pray:
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, thank you for coming to dwell with me. Brighten the dark places in my life. Show me where you are working and teach me to respond with joy. Amen.
Word: Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Meditation
Think about a time when someone gave you unbelievable news. News that gets you out of your seat and dancing.
“The test results are negative! The cancer’s gone!”
“Mom and dad, I have news . . . I got the job!”
“Guess what? They had the baby!”
“Get in the car! John surprised us! His deployment is up and he’s back!”
The angel that went out to the countryside to the sheep farmers at night. The angel said to the shepherds “I bring you good news of great joy!” Why? What’s the news? “For unto you is born a Savior.” Just as there is no electricity without a power plant, there is no joy without a source. And the source of true joy is the mighty work of God. Get up out of your seat. There is a Savior here. For you.
Prayer for Family
– For my immediate family (parents, spouse, siblings).
– For extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents)
– For close friends that are as family to me.
– For those who don’t have families, or whose families are broken.
– For forgiveness and reconciliation where there is division in my family.
– For provision where there is need in my family.
– For God to be the foundation, and the cross the center of my family.
– For a generation yet unborn, future members of our family.
Closing Prayer
O God, we’re heard the story before. In familiarity, we have made the news dull. Make it new in our ears. Fill us with good news of great joy. You are Messiah, Savior, and Lord. Amen.